Throws

Need something to cuddle up under during the chilly months and look smart too? Toss one of Habitat's toasty, graphic throws over the back of your sofa or armchair and Bob's your uncle. Wool, cotton, patterned, quilted – take your pick from our collection and see how versatile and cosy these little fellows can be.

WHAT COLOURS, MATERIALS AND STYLES ARE HABITAT'S THROWS AVAILABLE IN?

Throws. One home accessory, endless potential. If taken literally, the name of this item perhaps indicates that this is a casual piece for the home - an afterthought, if you will. In reality, a throw is anything but. On the contrary, these clever accessories make a marvellous addition to any home; they enhance the mood, add texture, create layers, inject colour and mix up your palette with little touches of pattern. What more could you ask for?

But where to begin? Here at Habitat, we offer all manner of throws, in a variety of fabrics, shades and tones. If you’re looking to bring a sense of cosiness to a room - perhaps you have a leather sofa
you’d like to soften, visually - then a faux fur or sumptuous wool throw will be just what you’re looking for. Alternatively, if you’re looking to delicately drape a throw across a bed, chair or room divider, simply for a decorative touch, then a silk throw will do the job to perfection. Throws are also the ultimate layering piece, be it spread out across the foot of the bed,
or several styles folded one on top of the other, perhaps on an ottoman or living room bench. To this end, cotton and linen throws are ideal. They are light enough to layer without looking bulky, yet warm enough to enhance comfort in the bedroom, or a chilly autumn evening in front of the TV.

When it comes to choosing colour, the rainbow is our design inspiration; we’ve got every hue you can think of. If you aren’t sure where to begin, then think about the look you are trying to achieve. Throws are ideal if you want to change up a room from season to season; blues are great for adding cool elements to a room in summer, while yellow and red will warm up a space in winter.

Blending patterns with block colours is a great way to bring attention to one colour. For example, a throw that combines several shades, say a monochromatic mix of black, white and grey, with a hot pink throw on top - which colour commands attention?

For natural decor palettes, we recommend blending neutral throws with creams and browns, or add green too for a nod to nature. The key is to consider proportions - too much of one colour can be overwhelming. Ideally, your throws should pick out colours already in the room. The appeal of the throw lies in its ability to effortlessly elevate a room. For example, add one checked throw over a leather sofa, and the level of sophistication is immediately heightened.

WHAT ROOMS ARE THROWS USEFUL FOR?

Throws can work their magic across any room in the house. As previously referred to, sofa throws are a genius way of adding comfort to a living room, not to mention heightening the elegance factor with one artful adornment.

In the bedroom, throws can be wonderful to snuggle into, yet they also work well in terms of enhancing the look of the bed itself. Soft furnishings are made for the bedroom - there’s nothing like retiring to bed, already feeling sleepy, and seeing your bed all luxe with layers. You may choose to delicately drape a throw over the headboard or foot of the bed, or work with several throws to create an inviting cocoon. For the latter, simply place a bedspread over the entirety of the duvet, then add two more throws (pair one block colour with one pattern) and layer at the base. Add a cushion or two and prepare to snuggle.

As with all styling potential, it’s a good idea to think outside of the box. Typically considered to be indoor accessories, throws are also good for a trip or two outdoors. On a summer’s eve, when the BBQ begins to cool, blankets are a good way to keep the party going. The trick is to keep them in the conservatory all year round. Then, when the weather picks up to entertain outdoors - all the while knowing that the typically British weather leaves us open to unpredictable temperatures - they’re close to hand.

However you decide to style your throw, never underestimate its potential. Sometimes, it’s very addition will bring your room to life.

WHAT OTHER ACCESSORIES CAN YOU USE TO COMPLETE THE LOOK?

Keeping in mind that a mix of textiles can blend beautifully together, not to mention enhance the feeling of comfort, warmth and - ultimately - luxury, the perfect pieces to complement your throw are those that also fall into the soft furnishings/accessories family. If you choose to follow our advice and drape a bold, block colour throw across a chair or sofa, then have a think about what falls at its feet - do you see a rug? If not, you should. Imagine a living room that plays into the Hygge trend. Do you see a faux fur throw set off by a faux fur rug? If not, we suggest you come around to the Scandi way of thinking. To really go to town with this vibe, add a fluffy cushion
or two for added va-va-voom.

Over in the bedroom department, bed linen
is key - look out for colours and patterns that will work well with your chosen throw. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns either. A patterned duvet or bedspread can look wonderful when clashed with a patterned throw. If that sounds too crazy for you, then we suggest plumping for one throw that complements the colours of your duvet set, another that completely juxtaposes it.

Throughout the rest of the house, from the chair in the hallway to the large bay window, we recommend you go with the flow. It may be called a ‘throw’ but, be it draped, folded or artfully cascading, this is one accessory interior designers will never discard in the style stakes.